33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Story by Sgt. James Sims

KABUL, Afghanistan - Col. Percy (Sonny) G. Hurtado II assumed command of Afghan Regional Security Integration Command-Kabul from Col. Christopher J. Morgan in a change of command ceremony May 1 at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Morgan, of Fort Payne, Ala., assumed command of ARSIC-K at Camp Phoenix on Sept. 6, 2008.

Prior to his deployment to Afghanistan, Morgan was a full-time Guardsman in Alabama, where he was the commander of the 621st Training and Evaluation Command at Fort McClellan.

As commander of ARSIC-K, Morgan was responsible for several subordinate units including Regional Division Advisory Command-Kabul and the Regional Police Advisory Command-Kabul picking up where his predecessor left off and continuing to build the capacity and capability of the Afghan national army and Afghan national police.

In October of last year Morgan's team developed the plan and started the Capital Division in Kabul. The Capital Division became operational on March 21 of this year and is responsible for many aspects of the security of the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, and the surrounding province.

Change of Command

"We transferred the lead security responsibility to the Afghans here in Kabul province and in doing so it became the first province in Afghanistan to take the lead by the Afghan national security forces," said Morgan.

Also under Morgan's command the Soldier mentors provided support to the ministry of defense and its security forces and presidential security, as well as 30 police districts in the Kabul province, 16 in the city, 14 outside the city and Kabul City Police Command.

During his tenure as commander, Morgan was able to oversee the building of 10 schools, three clinics and one hospital.

"It's been very rewarding in that aspect and been fun," said Morgan of the humanitarian assistance missions.

Although it was hard to pinpoint one thing as the most memorable experience while being in Afghanistan, Morgan said visiting the presidential palace and getting to meet President Hamid Karzai and having a picture taken with him was one of his most memorable.

Morgan will return to Alabama where he will spend some much-needed and deserved time with his wife and children.

Associated Images

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